Magyar attended a screening of the documentary Spring Wind: The Awakening alongside the film's director, Tamas Yvan Topolanszky, and producer Claudia Sumeghy. The film was screened for an Italian audience for the first time.

A group of Hungarians greeted Magyar outside the Ariston cinema, the festival's venue.

Magyar highlighted the long-standing friendship between Italy and Hungary, agreeing with earlier speakers that Italy was also a home for Hungarians. "It is good that after 16 years, we've returned to Europe," he added.

He said the documentary had played a decisive role in the Tisza Party’s election victory, noting that 3.3 million people watched the film within two days, and the party received 3.3 million votes in the election. "In a way, it helped open the eyes of the Hungarian people," he said.

He said that during the Hungarian election campaign, he had repeatedly mentioned Sicilian prosecutor Giovanni Falcone and Judge Paolo Borsellino, both of whom were assassinated in mafia attacks. "We had to fight a different kind of mafia in Hungary," he said.

"We also fought against the mafia, the political-economic mafia," he said. "That’s why I saw a parallel with them… They didn't survive the fight, but the entire Italian nation owes them a debt of gratitude. That's why I referenced them often during the campaign. I know the Hungarian people understood the comparison, and we will succeed."

Spring Wind: The Awakening, produced by Juno Pictures, premiered on March 12. The Budapest-based film production and distribution company was founded by Claudia Sumeghy and Tamas Yvan Topolanszky, who also directed the documentary. The company previously announced on Facebook that the film would open the RIFF festival.

Meanwhile, Ruff to oversee govt formation preparations during Magyar's visit to Italy

Balint Ruff, the incoming head of the Prime Minister's Office, will oversee preparations for the government's formation during Peter Magyar's visit to Italy.

The prime minister-elect of the incoming Tisza government announced on Facebook on Tuesday that he is travelling to Italy to attend the premiere of the film Spring Wind at an international film festival.

"During my stay in Italy, I also expect to attend official meetings. Plans are that I'll return from Rome on Thursday evening," Magyar wrote.

He added that, in his absence, Ruff will oversee the preparations for the government's formation.

Photo: Péter Magyar's Facebook page

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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